Inhibition of endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation by lysophosphatidylcholine: impact of lysophosphatidylcholine on mechanisms involving endothelium-derived nitric oxide and endothelium derived hyperpolarizing factor

An Updated Review of Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Plasma Lysophosphatidylcholines in the Vascular System

Lysophosphatidylcholines are a group of bioactive lipids heavily investigated in the context of inflammation and atherosclerosis development. While present in plasma during physiological conditions, their concentration can drastically increase in certain inflammatory states. Lysophosphatidylcholines are widely regarded as potent pro-inflammatory and deleterious mediators, but an increasing number of more recent studies show multiple beneficial properties under various pathological conditions. Many of the discrepancies in the published studies are due to the investigation of different species or mixtures of lysophatidylcholines and the use of supra-physiological concentrations in the absence of serum or other carrier proteins. Furthermore, interpretation of the results is complicated by the rapid metabolism of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) in cells and tissues to pro-inflammatory lysophosphatidic acid. Interestingly, most of the recent studies, in contrast to older studies, found lower LPC plasma levels associated with unfavorable disease outcomes. Being the most abundant lysophospholipid in plasma, it is of utmost importance to understand its physiological functions and shed light on the discordant literature connected to its research. LPCs should be recognized as important homeostatic mediators involved in all stages of vascular inflammation. In this review, we want to point out potential pro- and anti-inflammatory activities of lysophospholipids in the vascular system and highlight recent discoveries about the effect of lysophosphatidylcholines on immune cells at the endothelial vascular interface. We will also look at their potential clinical application as biomarkers.

GPR55 agonist lysophosphatidylinositol and lysophosphatidylcholine inhibit endothelial cell hyperpolarization via GPR-independent suppression of Na+-Ca2+ exchanger and endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ refilling

Lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI) and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) are lipid signaling molecules that induce endothelium-dependent vasodilation. In addition, LPC suppresses acetylcholine (Ach)-induced responses. We aimed to determine the influence of LPC and LPI on hyperpolarizing responses in vitro and in situ endothelial cells (EC) and identify the underlying mechanisms. Using patch-clamp method, we show that LPI and LPC inhibit EC hyperpolarization to histamine and suppress Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanged (NCX) currents in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibition is non-mode-specific and unaffected by intracellular GDPβS infusion and tempol, a superoxide dismutase mimetic. In excised mouse aorta, LPI strongly inhibits the sustained and the peak endothelial hyperpolarization induced by Ach, but not by SKA-31, an opener of Ca²⁺-dependent K⁺ channels of intermediate and small conductance. The hyperpolarizing responses to consecutive histamine applications are strongly reduced by NCX inhibition. In a Ca²⁺-re-addition protocol, bepridil, a NCX inhibitor, and KB-R7943, a blocker of reversed NCX, inhibit the hyperpolarizing responses to Ca²⁺-re-addition following Ca²⁺ stores depletion. These finding indicate that LPC and LPI inhibit endothelial hyperpolarization to Ach and histamine independently of G-protein coupled receptors and superoxide anions. Reversed NCX is critical for ER Ca²⁺ refilling in EC. The inhibition of NCX by LPI and LPC underlies diminished endothelium-dependent responses and endothelial dysfunction accompanied by increased levels of these lipids in the blood.

Acyl chain-dependent effect of lysophosphatidylcholine on endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation

Previously we identified palmitoyl-, oleoyl-, linoleoyl-, and arachidonoyl-lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC 16:0, 18:1, 18:2 and 20:4) as the most prominent LPC species generated by endothelial lipase (EL). In the present study, we examined the impact of those LPC on acetylcholine (ACh)- induced vascular relaxation. All tested LPC attenuated ACh-induced relaxation, measured ex vivo, using mouse aortic rings and wire myography. The rank order of potency was as follows: 18:2>20:4>16:0>18:1. The attenuating effect of LPC 16:0 on relaxation was augmented by indomethacin-mediated cyclooxygenase (COX)-inhibition and CAY10441, a prostacyclin (PGI2)- receptor (IP) antagonist. Relaxation attenuated by LPC 20:4 and 18:2 was improved by indomethacin and SQ29548, a thromboxane A2 (TXA2)- receptor antagonist. The effect of LPC 20:4 could also be improved by TXA2- and PGI2-synthase inhibitors. As determined by EIA assays, the tested LPC promoted secretion of PGI2, TXA2, PGF2α, and PGE2, however, with markedly different potencies. LPC 16:0 was the most potent inducer of superoxide anion production by mouse aortic rings, followed by LPC 18:2, 20:4 and 18:1, respectively. The strong antioxidant tempol recovered relaxation impairment caused by LPC 18:2, 18:1 and 20:4, but not by LPC 16:0. The tested LPC attenuate ACh-induced relaxation through induction of proconstricting prostanoids and superoxide anions. The potency of attenuating relaxation and the relative contribution of underlying mechanisms are strongly related to LPC acyl-chain length and degree of saturation.

Dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and endothelium dysfunction induced by lysophosphatidylcholine in Syrian hamster aorta

This study investigated the influence of an eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)- or a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-supplemented diet on the deleterious effects of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) on endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of Golden Syrian hamster thoracic aorta. In a second step, LPC-modulated phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2))-derived ways of relaxation were investigated. Golden Syrian hamsters were fed for 6 weeks with a control diet or an EPA- or DHA-supplemented diet. Aortic fatty acid composition was analyzed by gas chromatography. Aortic rings were incubated for 20 minutes with LPC before constructing cumulative concentration-response curves for acetylcholine (ACh; 3 nmol/L-30 micromol/L) or sodium nitroprusside (3 nmol/L-30 micromol/L). The EPA- or DHA-supplemented diet increased n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in aortic fatty acids content because of the increase of EPA or DHA content, respectively, and decreased arachidonic acid aortic content. Lysophosphatidylcholine (1, 10, 15, and 20 micromol/L) induced a concentration-dependent inhibition of ACh-induced relaxation of preconstricted aortic rings in the control group, but did not influence sodium nitroprusside-induced aortic relaxation. The DHA- or EPA-supplemented diet worsened LPC (20 micromol/L) inhibitory effects on ACh-induced vasorelaxation. In the control diet group, ACh-induced relaxation was abolished by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (l-N(G)-nitro-arginine methyl ester; 100 micromol/L), whether LPC was added or not. The ACh-induced vasorelaxation was partially inhibited by PLA(2) inhibitors methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate (25 micromol/L) and arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone (20 micromol/L) as well as by the combination of 2 Ca(2+)-dependent potassium (K(Ca)) channel inhibitors charybdotoxin (0.1 micromol/L) plus apamin (0.3 micromol/L). In the presence of LPC (20 micromol/L), ACh-induced vasorelaxation was abolished by these inhibitors. These effects were not influenced by DHA or EPA diet. Our results suggested that EPA- or DHA-supplemented diet did not exhibit any beneficial effect against LPC-induced inhibition of endothelium-dependent aortic relaxation in Golden Syrian hamsters. These LPC effects were associated in our study not only with an inhibition of nitric oxide-dependent vasorelaxation, but also with a concomitant activation of a compensatory vasorelaxant pathway depending both on PLA(2) metabolites and on K(Ca) channel opening.

Neutrophil antimicrobial peptide alpha-defensin causes endothelial dysfunction in porcine coronary arteries

BACKGROUND

Defensins are cysteine-rich cationic polypeptides released from neutrophils that exhibit powerful antimicrobial activities. Because inflammation, including neutrophil infiltration and release of defensins, may play an important role in atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases, we determined whether alpha-defensin could cause endothelial dysfunction, a major initial event of atherosclerosis, in porcine coronary arteries.

METHODS

Porcine coronary arteries were sliced into 5-mm rings and treated with different concentrations of human recombinant alpha-defensin for 24 hours. Vasomotor reactivity was studied by using a myograph system. Levels of superoxide anion were detected by the lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence method. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry analysis, respectively.

RESULTS

Endothelium-dependent relaxation in response to bradykinin was significantly reduced by 40% for the rings treated with 1500 nM of alpha-defensin compared with controls (P< .05). Vessel contractility in response to the thromboxane A2 analogue U46619 and endothelium-independent relaxation in response to sodium nitroprusside were not affected with defensin treatment. In addition, the superoxide anion level at the endothelial layer of porcine coronary artery rings was significantly increased by 80% in the defensin-treated (1500 nM) vessels compared with controls (P< .05). Furthermore, the eNOS mRNA levels in endothelial cells isolated from the cultured rings treated with defensin (1500 nM) were significantly decreased by 27% compared with controls (P< .05). Immunoreactivity of eNOS in the defensin-treated vessel rings was also substantially reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

Defensin reduces the endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. This effect is associated with increased superoxide radical production and decreased eNOS expression in porcine coronary arteries.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Inflammation is an important mechanism of atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases. The roles and interactions of biomediators released from inflammatory cells are not fully understood, however. This study provides new information about effects and potential molecular mechanisms of a major neutrophil releasing factor, alpha-defensin, on endothelial dysfunction of porcine coronary arteries. Thus, targeting alpha-defensin and its associated molecular mechanisms may become a new strategy to prevent vascular diseases.

The effect of n-3 PUFA on eNOS activity and expression in Ea hy 926 cells

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on NO synthase (eNOS) activation in Ea hy 926 endothelial cells. EPA or DHA (0-80 microM), added to the culture medium during 24h, were dose-dependently incorporated into the cells. In control medium, eNOS activity (evaluated by the citrulline assay) and eNOS phosphorylation on Ser 1177 were correlated. They were increased by 10 microM histamine and prevented by 20 microM lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). By contrast, EPA or DHA increased basal phosphorylation without affecting eNOS activity in non-stimulated cells, but dose-dependently decreased this activity in histamine-stimulated cells without modifying the phosphorylation level. Furthermore, EPA and DHA did not prevent the deleterious effects of LPC on histamine stimulation. In conclusion, incorporation of EPA and DHA could be deleterious for endothelial cells by deregulating the activation of eNOS and preventing NO liberation.

ROS-sensitive cytochrome P450 activity maintains endothelial dilatation in ageing but is transitory in dyslipidaemic mice

Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have been proposed to accelerate the vascular endothelial dysfunction that develops during the normal ageing process. The objective of this work was to study the impact of dyslipidaemia (DL) on the dilatory efficacy of the non-NO/non-PGI2 endothelium-derived hyperpolarising factor (EDHF) through maturation and ageing. We isolated and pressurised (80 mmHg) gracilis arterial segments from 3, 12 and 20-month-old (m/o) DL mice expressing the human apolipoprotein B-100 and wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice. EDHF-dependent dilatations to acetylcholine (ACh) were measured in the presence of L-NNA (100 microM, NOS inhibitor) and indomethacin (INDO; 10 microM, COX inhibitor). Data are expressed as mean+/-s.e.m.EDHF-mediated maximal dilatation of arteries isolated from WT mice declined by 44% with ageing, from 86+/-3% at 3 months to 66+/-8% at 12 and 48+/-4% at 20 months of age (P<0.05). This decline was magnified by DL to 73%, characterised by an early increased efficacy at 3 m/o (95+/-2%, P<0.05) and a worsening of the dysfunction at 20 m/o (26+/-2%, P<0.05). 17-Octadecynoic acid (17-ODYA), a cytochrome P450/epoxygenase inhibitor, reduced by 56% (P<0.05) ACh-induced EDHF-dependent dilatation of arteries isolated from 3 m/o DL--but not WT--mice, an effect of 17-ODYA disappearing in older DL mice. 17-ODYA, however, reduced (P<0.05) ACh-induced EDHF-dependent dilatation in arteries isolated from 12 m/o WT mice by 35% and from 20 m/o WT mice by 31% (P<0.05). Reactive oxygen species production was increased in arteries isolated from 12 m/o DL mice. The antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cystein (NAC) restored the 17-ODYA-sensitive responses in arteries isolated from 12 - but not 20 - m/o DL mice (84+/-3% from an E(max) of 57+/-8%; P<0.05). NAC did not affect the dilatation of arteries isolated from WT mice. Our data suggest that the decline in EDHF-dependent dilatation is hastened by DL despite the early expression of a 17-ODYA-sensitive pathway increasing the efficacy of the non-NO/non-PGI2 endothelium-dependent dilatation. Acute free radical production contributes to the endothelial dysfunction in the presence of DL only, by abrogating this latter pathway. This 17-ODYA-sensitive pathway, however, appears in 12 m/o WT mice and remains active at 20 m/o.

Early experimental obesity is associated with coronary endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress

Obesity is independently associated with increased cardiovascular risk. However, since established obesity clusters with various cardiovascular risk factors, configuring the metabolic syndrome, the early effects of obesity on vascular function are still poorly understood. The current study was designed to evaluate the effect of early obesity on coronary endothelial function in a new animal model of swine obesity. As to method, juvenile domestic crossbred pigs were randomized to either high-fat/high-calorie diet (HF) or normal chow diet for 12 wk. Coronary microvascular permeability and abdominal wall fat were determined by using electron beam computerized tomography. Epicardial endothelial function and oxidative stress were measured in vitro. Systemic oxidative stress, renin-angiotensin activity, leptin levels, and parameters of insulin sensitivity were evaluated. As a result, HF pigs were characterized by abdominal obesity, hypertension, and elevated plasma lysophosphatidylcholine and leptin in the presence of increased insulin sensitivity. Coronary endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation was reduced in HF pigs and myocardial microvascular permeability increased compared with those values in normal pigs. Systemic redox status in HF pigs was similar to that in normal pigs, whereas the coronary endothelium demonstrated higher content of superoxide anions, nitrotyrosine, and NADPH-oxidase subunits, indicating increased tissue oxidative stress. In conclusion, the current study shows that early obesity is characterized by increased vascular oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in association with increased levels of leptin and before the development of insulin resistance and systemic oxidative stress. Vascular dysfunction is therefore an early manifestation of obesity and might contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk, independently of insulin resistance.

Specific impairment of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-type relaxation in mesenteric arteries from streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

We hypothesized that the contribution made by endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) to acetylcholine (ACh)-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR) might be altered in mesenteric arteries from streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. In endothelium-intact preparations, the ACh-induced EDR (but not the sodium nitroprusside-induced relaxation) was weaker in the STZ group than in age-matched controls. Indomethacin (10 muM) had no significant effect on EDR in either group, indicating that cyclooxygenase products, including prostacyclin, are not involved. This indomethacin-resistant EDR was weaker in the STZ group than in the controls. To isolate the EDHF-resistant component of EDR, charybdotoxin (100 nM) and apamin (100 nM) were present in the bath solution throughout the next experiment. This EDHF-resistant relaxation did not differ significantly between the two groups. On the other hand, the EDHF-mediated relaxation was significantly weaker in the STZ group than in the controls, and it was completely blocked by lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC, 10 microM) in each group. The eNOS protein expression was similar between the two groups. These results suggest that (a) the endothelial dysfunction present in mesenteric arteries from type 1 diabetic mice is largely attributable to reduced EDHF signaling, and (b) LPC may be involved in this attenuation of EDHF-mediated relaxation.

Leukocytic myeloperoxidase-mediated formation of bromohydrins and lysophospholipids from unsaturated phosphatidylcholines

Using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, we have shown that leukocytic myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the presence of its substrates (H2O2 and Br?) does not induce any changes in saturated 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine. Incubation of liposomes prepared from mono-unsaturated phosphatidylcholine (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) with the (MPO + H2O2 + Br-) system resulted in formation of bromohydrins as the main products. 1-Palmitoyl-2-hydroxy-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (lysophosphatidylcholine) was the main product of the reaction of polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine (1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) with the (MPO + H2O2 + Br-) system. The formation of lysophospholipids as well as of bromohydrins was not observed when the enzyme or one of its substrates (H2O2 or Br-) was absent from the incubation medium, or if an inhibitor of MPO (sodium azide) or hypobromite scavengers (taurine or methionine) were added. Thus, it can be postulated that the formation of bromohydrins as well as lysophospholipids by the (MPO + H2O2 + Br-) system results from reactions of hypobromite formed during MPO catalysis with double bonds of acyl chains of phosphatidylcholine. Such destructive processes may take place in vivo in membrane- or lipoprotein-associated unsaturated lipids in centers of inflammation.

Role of nitric oxide and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) in the regulation of blood pressure by leptin in lean and obese rats

We investigated the role of nitric oxide (NO) and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) in hemodynamic action of leptin. The effect of leptin (1 mg/kg i.p.) on systolic blood pressure (SBP) was examined in lean rats and in rats made obese by feeding highly palatable diet for either 1 or 3 months. Separate groups received NO synthase inhibitor, L-NAME, or EDHF inhibitors, the mixture of apamin+charybdotoxin or sulfaphenazole, before leptin administration. Leptin increased NO production, as evidenced by increase in plasma and urinary NO metabolites and cyclic GMP. This effect was impaired in both obese groups. In lean rats either leptin or EDHF inhibitors had no effect on blood pressure. L-NAME increased blood pressure in lean animals and this effect was prevented by leptin. However, when leptin was administered to animals pretreated with both L-NAME and EDHF inhibitors, blood pressure increased even more than after L-NAME alone. In the 1-month obese group leptin had no effect on SBP, however, pressor effect of leptin was observed in animals pretreated with EDHF inhibitors. In the 3-month obese group leptin alone increased SBP, and EDHF inhibitors did not augment its pressor effect. The results suggest that leptin may stimulate EDHF when NO becomes deficient, e.g. after NOS blockade or in short-term obesity. Although the effect of leptin on NO production is impaired in the 1-month obese group, BP does not increase, probably because EDHF compensates for NO deficiency. In contrast, leptin increases BP in 3-month obesity because its effect on EDHF is also attenuated.

Lysophosphatidylcholine potentiates phenylephrine responses in rat mesenteric arterial bed through modulation of thromboxane A2

Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) plays important physiological and pathophysiological roles in the cardiovascular system. Despite this, there is little information about its effects on vasore-activity of resistance vessels. The present study was designed to characterize the effects of LPC in the isolated perfused rat mesenteric arterial bed (MAB) and to investigate the underlying mechanisms of the changes it produced. Perfusion with 10 microM LPC for 40 min did not significantly affect basal perfusion pressure or reactivity of MAB to the alpha(1)-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine (PE) but almost completely abolished the maximal endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine (Ach), reducing it from 93 +/- 5 to 7 +/- 4% (p < 0.001). After washout of LPC for 60 min, the vasodilator response to Ach partially recovered, whereas the vasoconstrictor response to PE was markedly enhanced, the pD(2) value increasing from 7.50 +/- 0.04 to 8.13 +/- 0.15 and maximum response to 199 +/- 24% of control (p < 0.001). Pretreatment with either indomethacin, a nonselective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase, or SQ-29548 [[1S-[1a,2a(Z),3a,4a]]-7-[3-[[2-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]hydrazino] methyl]-7-oxabicyclo [2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptanoic acid], a selective thromboxane receptor antagonist, completely prevented the potentiation of the PE response after washout of LPC. In untreated MABs, only the highest concentration of PE produced a significant increase in thromboxane A(2) (TxA(2)) production (assessed by enzyme-immunoassay of thromboxane B(2) levels). This was prevented by perfusion with LPC but was significantly increased after LPC washout. The basal release of TxA(2) was not modified by LPC. These results demonstrate that LPC exerts both immediate and residual effects on the reactivity of the rat MAB and that these effects are at least partially due to modification of PE-induced TxA(2) production.

Effect of lysophosphatidylcholine on vasomotor functions of porcine coronary arteries

BACKGROUND

Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) is a product of phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis by phospholipase A(2) and a mediator of the lipid-induced atherosclerotic changes. In this study, we determined the effects of LPC on vasomotor functions, oxidative stress, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression in porcine coronary arteries.

METHODS

Porcine coronary arteries were cut into 5-mm rings and were treated with LPC or antioxidant selenomethionine (SeMet). For the vasomotor studies, we used a myograph tension system. Levels of superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) were detected by the lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence method. The eNOS protein level was studied by immunohistochemistry with avidin-biotin complex immunoperoxidase procedure.

RESULTS

Endothelium-dependent relaxation in response to bradykinin was reduced by 36% and 81% for the rings treated with 12.5 and 25 mum of LPC, respectively, as compared with controls (P < 0.05). Endothelium-independent relaxation in response to sodium nitroprusside also was reduced by 63% after treatment with 25 mum LPC (P < 0.05). The O(2)(-) level was increased in the porcine arteries treated with 25 mum of LPC by 41% as compared with controls (P < 0.05). The antioxidant SeMet reversed the effects of LPC on vascular relaxation and O(2)(-) production. Immunoreactivity of eNOS in LPC-treated vessel rings also was reduced substantially.

CONCLUSIONS

LPC impairs endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasorelaxation. This effect is associated with increased superoxide radical production and decreased eNOS activity and is practically reversed with the use of the antioxidant SeMet.

Relationship between intracellular calcium and airway reactivity in guinea pigs

The present study was carried out to examine the relationship between intracellular free calcium ion concentrations and its regulatory enzymes, sodium potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na(+),K(+)-ATPase) and calcium adenosine triphosphatase (Ca(2+)-ATPase), with airway reactivity to inhaled histamine in guinea pigs. Forty-nine guinea pigs were included in this study. Of these, 34 animals responded to histamine bronchoprovocation challenge in vivo with a greater than 35% fall in specific airways conductance and were labeled as "reactive," and the remaining 15 were "nonreactive." The dose of histamine producing a 35% fall in specific airways conductance was labeled as ED(35) SGaw. The animals were then sacrificed, and the following biochemical measurements were carried out: intracellular free calcium ion concentrations [Ca(2+)](i) in leukocytes and isolated tracheal smooth muscle cells, activities of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-ATPase in tracheal homogenate, and plasma levels of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). Reactive guinea pigs showed significantly higher [Ca(2+)](i) and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-ATPase activities. Airway reactivity (ED(35) SGaw) had significant negative correlation with [Ca(2+)](i), with activities of each of the ATPases and with plasma lysophosphatidylcholine. It is concluded that the level of [Ca(2+)](i) is an important determinant of airway reactivity. Intracellular calcium levels modulate airway response to histamine with higher levels being associated with greater reactivity.

Potassium channel function in vascular disease

Potassium ion (K(+)) channel activity is a major regulator of vascular muscle cell membrane potential (E(m)) and is therefore an important determinant of vascular tone. There is growing evidence that the function of several types of vascular K(+) channels is altered during major cardiovascular diseases, such as chronic hypertension, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Vasoconstriction and the compromised ability of an artery to dilate are likely consequences of defective K(+) channel function in blood vessels during these disease states. In some instances, increased K(+) channel function may help to compensate for increased vascular tone. Endothelial cell dysfunction is commonly associated with cardiovascular disease, and altered activity of nitric oxide, prostacyclin, and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor could also contribute to changes in resting K(+) channel activity, E(m), and K(+) channel-mediated vasodilatation. Our current knowledge of the effects of disease on vascular K(+) channel function almost exclusively relies on interpretation of data obtained by using pharmacological modulators of K(+) channels. As further progress is made in the development of more selective drugs and through molecular approaches such as gene targeting technology in mice, specific K(+) channel abnormalities and their causes in particular diseases should be more readily identified, providing novel directions for vascular therapy.